Spring is a fantastic time for turkey hunters, with the birds being highly active and visible. However, locating wild turkeys in the spring can be a challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with the terrain. In this article, we’ll share six tips and tricks for locating wild turkeys in the spring, including how to read maps and terrain.
- Look for Food Sources: Wild turkeys rely heavily on food sources, and they’re often attracted to fields and open areas where they can forage for food. Search for places where wild turkeys can find their preferred diet, including acorns, berries, insects, and grasses. Spring food sources include clover, alfalfa, and winter wheat.
- Learn Their Roosting Habits: Wild turkeys roost in trees at night, and they’ll often return to the same roosting areas each evening. Look for roosting sites near food sources, and try to locate areas where the turkeys have been roosting.
- Use Calls to Locate Them: Wild turkeys are social animals and use vocalizations to communicate with each other. Use turkey calls to locate the birds and listen for their responses. You can use a variety of calls, including box calls, slate calls, and diaphragm calls.
- Learn to Read Maps: Topographic maps can be incredibly useful when it comes to locating wild turkeys. Look for areas with a mix of open fields, woods, and water sources, which are ideal habitats for turkeys. Using a map can also help you identify potential travel corridors and roosting sites.
- Scout in the Morning and Evening: Wild turkeys are most active during the morning and evening hours, so make sure to scout during these times. Take advantage of the early morning hours to listen for gobbles, and in the evening, look for turkeys as they travel to their roosting sites.
- Pay Attention to Terrain Features: Wild turkeys prefer areas with gentle slopes and high ridges where they can see and hear approaching predators. Pay attention to terrain features like ridges, valleys, and stream crossings, which can be travel corridors for turkeys.
In conclusion, locating wild turkeys in the spring can be a fun and rewarding experience. By using these six tips and tricks, including reading maps and terrain, you can increase your chances of success and have a great time in the great outdoors. Happy hunting!